The Government's promised marine safety directorate has been established by the Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey.
Mr Maurice Mullen, assistant secretary of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, has been appointed director general of the new body, which will incorporate the work of the existing Marine Survey Office, and the Department's maritime safety and marine environment division.
It will also have safety functions in relation to leisure craft, jet skis and adventure centres. These areas are currently handled by the Department's marine leisure division.
The Irish Coast Guard is not incorporated into the new directorate, but Mr Mullen will have overall responsibility for the service.
"The establishment of the directorate will enable more effective strategic links to be developed with the various safety organisations on the ground and with our European partners in the ongoing effort to prevent accidents at sea and tragic loss of life," the Minister said last night from his constituency in Galway.
The Minister said the establishment of the directorate represented an important step in the reorganisation of the Department of Marine and Natural Resources to ensure the delivery of the "highest quality services generally".
"I am also approving the appointment of 10 additional vessel surveyors, three radio surveyors and additional administrative staff to enable the directorate to fully discharge its role," he said.
Before his recent promotion to the rank of assistant secretary, Mr Mullen was principal officer with responsibility for inland fisheries and aquaculture policy. He is a long-time examiner with the Irish Water Safety Association and, as a keen traditional musician, is a member of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann.
The directorate is the result of a review of maritime safety regulatory services by Deloitte & Touche management consultants.
The Minister recently introduced mandatory safety training for fishing skippers and crews. He has directed the new body to finalise this programme, and to develop a safety awareness programme for the fishing industry.
The Minister has also instructed it to establish the long-awaited marine casualty investigation board, which had been recommended several years ago, and to "enhance" the marine emergency helicopter service. He has also asked it to complete a study into the future of the Irish Coast Guard, and a communications and operational study of inland search and rescue.
The body will also address Ireland's marine radio navigation policy in the wake of a decision taken internationally to drop the Loran-C project. He has also asked it to draw up a national maritime pollution plan, including response plans for all ports, harbours and exploration facilities. And he has asked it to continue with "education and communication on marine leisure safety issues".
Last year, the number of fatalities at sea fell slightly, 50 compared to 57 in 2000.